Underwater Carbon Capture Unit for Subsea Equipment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Underwater equipment in subsea applications experiences organic growth due to temperature differentials and carbon presence in ocean water, leading to mechanical interference and stress, necessitating effective carbon capture solutions to reduce biological fouling.

Innovation Solution

A carbon capture system comprising a carbon capture unit with a cartridge and a mount, controlled by a processor to adsorb and desorb carbon from ocean water, using sorbent materials and electrodeionization, and utilizing waste heat for desorption, thereby reducing organic growth on underwater equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If underwater equipment is deployed in ocean water, then the equipment can perform subsea operations, but organic growth occurs on the equipment surface due to temperature differential and carbon presence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubsea operation capabilityVSAvoidorganic growth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the temperature differential (which causes organic growth) into a beneficial resource by using waste heat from the underwater equipment to drive the desorption process in carbon capture cartridges. The heat that would otherwise contribute to organic growth is instead utilized to release captured carbon from sorbent materials, transforming a harmful thermal effect into a useful process driver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces carbon capture cartridges as an intermediary component between the underwater equipment and the ocean water. These cartridges contain sorbent materials that mediate the interaction by capturing carbon from the surrounding water, thereby removing the essential nutrient needed for organic growth without directly contacting or damaging the equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If carbon capture cartridges are used to remove carbon from water, then organic growth is reduced, but additional equipment and operational complexity are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorganic growth reductionVSAvoidcarbon capture system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon capture system performs multiple functions: it captures carbon from ocean water, prevents organic growth on equipment, and utilizes waste heat for desorption. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the need for separate anti-fouling systems and minimizes overall equipment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses waste heat from the underwater equipment itself to power the desorption process, making the system self-sufficient. This eliminates the need for external energy sources or additional heating equipment, thereby reducing operational complexity and energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If temperature differential is present between equipment and ocean water, then equipment can operate, but this same differential promotes organic growth on equipment surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment operationVSAvoidorganic growth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively captures carbon from ocean water, reducing organic growth on underwater equipment and utilizing waste heat for efficient operation, thereby protecting equipment and improving environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a carbon capture cartridge disposed in the housing along the water flow path, wherein the carbon capture cartridge is configured to capture carbon from water along the water flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

The processor also controls the carbon capture system to adsorb the carbon from the water via the carbon capture cartridge during the first operational mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Data Source

PatentUS12043555B1System and method for carbon capture surrounding underwater equipment

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A system includes a carbon capture unit. The carbon capture unit includes a housing having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water flow path from the water inlet to the water outlet. The carbon capture unit also includes a carbon capture cartridge disposed in the housing along the water flow path, wherein the carbon capture cartridge is configured to capture carbon from water along the water flow path and a mount coupled to the housing. The mount is configured to mount the carbon capture unit at an underwater location having underwater equipment.